good deal of money. now, let me remind you of jack and why that you care. that he really was quite a hero and quite a president. that's the show. thanks for watching. it's been "hardball," what a great week it's been for politics. "politics nation" with al sharpton starts right now. >> thanks, chris. and thanks to you for tuning in. tonight's lead, change your can't believe in. at this hour, republicans are gathering in charlotte, north carolina for the meeting. it's the party's first big meeting since barack wiped the floor with them in november's election. the committee is calling from a republican renewal. a time for change. to build new relationships, to compete in every state in every region. hmm. sounds bold, even promising.

so who are the republicans turning to? turning to lead their bold, new plan. >> the ayes have it. priebus is elected chairman. >> huh? huh? that's how they started? with reince priebus, the same guy who helped get them into the mess? but, okay, let's give them a chance with their bold, new plan. what's at the top of the to do list? >> we've got to stop being the stupid party. and i'm serious. it's time for a new republican party that talks like adults. it's no secret that we had a number of people that damaged the brain with offensive comments. >> stop being the stupid party. okay. okay. i can get behind that. what's next? >> we've got to compete for every single vote. 47% and the 53% and, by the way,

any other combination of that that adds up to a hundred percent. >> and newt gingrich agrees, i'm for 100 percent of the american people believing that they have a party that cares about their future. wow. what a vision. what an amazing, ground-breaking idea, including all americans. but okay, it's an idea, at least. what other changes do they have in mind? gingrich says we need to learn to be a happy party. imagine that. a party with leaders that aren't so grumpy. i'm liking this. so how do you plan to get this done? >> the task before us now is charting our party's future. the good news is our principles are sound. >> principles are sound? they're sticking with the same, failed principles.

what about the renewal? the 100 percent? the happy people? what exactly will you be changing? >> we can standby our timeless principles and articulate them in ways that are modern. and that, i believe, is how we'll achieve republican renewal. >> they're going to change by renewing the same druestructive policies. same principles, different message. maybe it's time to go back to step one. >> we've got to stop being the stupid party. >> on second thought, good luck with that one. joining me now is melissa harry perry. did they not get the message? >> any time you give me a chance to talk about my governor, bobby jindal, who, on my place, we use a hash tag, fbj, forget bobby jindal.

this is a man whose policies in the state of louisiana have created a voucher program that increasingly sends children to schools that teach creationism. this man, who was a biology major, who understands what basic, scientific principles are, is sending children in a poor state with under-achieving schools to school that are teaching them with state dollars. when he says stop being the stupid party, that is pure rhetoric. as you heard there from priebus, they're not talking at all act a core change in how this party actually plans to govern. they're just talking about a cosmetic difference. >> he's also not teaching in some of those schools, siensz: >> oh, yeah, as the science course is creationism. >> yes, that's exactly right. e.j., when you look at

reince ps reince priebus, opportunityism working on voters but the same policies, i mean, do they get it? >> i think the newer slogan is don't worry, be happy. that happiness would be nice compared to what we have. he did say the party needed to be more welcoming and inclusive. the problem is that that takes them away from having to think about what actually failed them. >> mitt romney got in trouble because a lot of people had already come to believe that the republican party was primarily a party of very wealthy people and was only interested in cutting their taxes. they lost the latino vote

because mitt romney talked about self deportation and the party of blocked immigration reform. and the african american vote was going to go to president obama. but they jammed it way up with their voter suppression effort. they've got to think more about fundamentals and not just organization. >> and, melissa, will you look at the american people, 68% say it's unacceptable to cut medicaid. 66% disapprove of the gop's negotiation over tax. what they are selling, the american people are not buying. they're in denial. they're acting -- in fact, they're saying that what we have is fundamental principles are right. we're just presenting it wrong. it's not the content they're saying it's the package. no, it's the content. >> you know where this is going to get really real for people on the ground? are these republican governors

who are going to continue to try to block president obama's affordable care act that is going to now finally start taking effect on the legislative term. now what we're going to see is in states that are allowing the health care changes, that are doing the kinds of things that are allowing the medicaid extension, you're going to see a dramatic impact. and then in states like bobby jindal's where they're standing around the school door with health care reform and have fewer k no, ma'amic opportunities and can't grow in their hospital sick tors and all of that, nen ythen you're going see -- part of it is about the social policy. but the other part of it is their social policy decisions would have economic consequences. >> they are going to feel it in their pocketbook.

you know, e.j., something was telling when the senator announced it and he won't run for re-election. and took a shot at his own party. >> now, this is a conservative taking a shot at his own party. >> well, i guess i agree, by the way, with melissa on the health care and people trying to block it. but let me be a little opt mystic here. i do think there are republicans who do know that the substance matters here. the republicans knew they couldn't fight president obama

on the debt ceiling. they should have just extended it sbeerly. i think there are some republicans who learned some lessons who broke with the party to vote with aid for the victims of hurricane sandy. so i think this sort of meeting is sort of the top line of people wanting to say it's just organization. but i think below that, there are republicans who know their problems run deeper. >> i don't doubt that, but i think that the bad signal is, for example, how are you going to say you're going to have change re-elect the same chairman in reince priebus, who we learned this week, had clint east wo east's empty chair in his office. to have that as some symbol that you want to recognize other than if you use an example to show

how you lost an election, how dumb we could be. i mean, what -- can you re-e lek elect this guy's chair? >> look, we are in a two-party system. but the parties recon fizz your themselves. so, for example, there was ultimately a moment when the party shifted and where those democrats had to find themselves a new party. and we may be looking at a republican party that was similarly in a position where it's going to have to shift between those who are going to follow a reasonable path. there's plenty to disagree about in the land of reasonable. it's fine to have a con sefbtive party. >> e.j., dion and melissa harry perry, thanks. and have a great weekend. and remember, watch melissa

harris perry saturdays and sundays at 10:00 a.m. here on msnbc. ahead, the right wing plan to steal elections pops up in another state? why is the rnc chair sigh lent. and then the sheriff vowing to defie president obama's gun laws. i have a few questions for him. and he missed the inauguration. but willard is in washington today. and he made some news. there's a big friday show coming, so stay with us. ♪ even this i can stand ♪ i want to keep you any way i can ♪ ♪ ain't too proud to beg, sweet darling ♪ ♪ don't leave me girl ♪ don't you go ♪ ain't to proud to please baby ♪ ♪ please don't leave me girl ♪ don't you go

♪ oh, oh, oh

looer nobody insures more bikes than progressive. do you guys ride? well... no. sometimes, yeah. yes. well, if you know anybody else who also rides, send them here -- we got great coverage. it's not like bikers love their bikes more than life itself. i doubt anyone will even notice.

leading the pack in motorcycle insurance. now, that's progressive. call or click today. aarrggh! . have you joined the "politics nation" conversation on facebook yet? we hope you will. we asked our facebook fans to give advice to republicans on how they can stop being the stupid party, as bobby jindal suggested. sydney said it's time to care about others. dred says the gop needs to explain how their big business views can help the average man if they can. joy says start by helping the mirn people, which is what you were e lelected to do. we want to hear your advice, too. please head over to facebook and join "politics nation" and like

us to follow the conversation that keeps going long after the show ends. i did not want to think about that. relax, relax, relax. look at me, look at me. three words, dad -- e-trade financial consultants. so i can just go talk to 'em? just walk right in and talk to 'em. dude, those guys are pros. they'll hook you up with a solid plan. they'll -- wa-- wa-- wait a minute. bobby? bobby! what are you doing, man? i'm speed dating! [ male announcer ] get investing advice for your family at e-trade. if we took the already great sentra apart and completely reimagined it with best-in-class combined mpg and more interior room than corolla and civic and a technology suite with bluetooth, navigation, and other handy stuff? yeah, that would be cool. introducing the all-new nissan sentra. it's our most innovative sentra ever. nissan. innovation that excites. now get a $169 per month lease on a new nissan sentra, plus $500 bonus cash. ♪

for the men and women in big cities and small towns who fall victim to senseless violence each and every day. for all the americans who are counting on us to keep them safe from harm. let's do the right thing. >> more than a month after the shootings at sandy hook elementary, president obama is ramping up the pressure on gun safety. vice president biden went to virginia today, the first stop on a national road trip to push new gun laws: also, today, the president nominated a new atf

dprek tor, byron todd jones. he's one of the 23 executive actions he signed earlier this month. but some republicans vow to block him. arizona sheriff is one of several sheriffs promising to defie the federal government and refusing to obey any new laws. he wrote a letter to the president saying, "i'm writing you this letter today to inform you that any law or regulation created by an executive order, which is contrary to the constitution of the united states of america and what it says shall be deemed as unlawful and shall not be carried out by myself or my office. an officer of the law refusing to carry out the law. interesting. well, joining me now is that arizona sheriff, paul babu. sheriff, thank you first of all for being here tonight.

>> it's my pleasure, reverend al. now you'll defie the law if it violates the constitution, but what gives you the authority to decide if it does that? >> well, my oath and that i'm the top law enforcement officer of my county. and where we're talking here, and this is what i put in parenthesis, that letter or law that circumvents the ledge slative process. the last time i checked, we live in a republic with democratic principles and you can't just write and sign an executive order, especially in matters of constitutional consequences and infringe upon the rights -- >> but the president ocht united states is in power to give executive orders. like he did today. that's not unconstitutional.

my question was what gives you the right. i mean, you're not a supreme court justice, are you? >> well, my oath actually says, and this is my 20 years in the reserve component, the military, i swore an oet to obey the lawful owners ahead of me. a law, a legislative bodty has to pass, and then the president signs. we all learned that. this is a process. and to think that, es spispecian an issue, yes u it's emotionally charged. but what i am saying is the president cannot and should not unilaterally say with the wave of the hand this is what we're

going to do. >> first of all, the president has made some proposals to congress. other things he's issued an executive action and certainly, that's within the law. but what i'm saying is that you said you will be the decider of what jou thi what you think is constitutional. if every law enforcement person decided that they think they'd do what was constitutional, you'd have anarchy. >> there's 3,000 plus elected sheriffs. i'm the third largest county in arizona. i have to enforce the law. we enforce laws, whether i agree with them or not. but these are not laws. >> who determines they're not laws? the president by executive order, that is not a law.

what i am saying is here, these restrictio restrictions, especially not in our constitution but guaranteed rights and liberties for our second amendment freedoms. >> tell me how these orders violate constitutional freedom. well, many of these orders, there's 23 as you pointed out. >> well, grif me one of them. >> what the president is talking a and now president finestein is embodying, and this is the right approach to talk. >> well, most americans would agree that yes, we should have background checks. but this idea to think that we're establishing another law or a regulation somehow is going to make america safer. >> you're not telling me how it

violates constitutional law. he appointed the head of the atf by executive order. are you telling me that's unconstitutional? >> not at all. >> so you're going to decide what executive order the constitutional right has to do. it's all right with you that he did atf. but it's not all right with you it becomes something you disagree with and you hide behind it's unconstitutional? >> here's the difference. the most important person in the land is that of private citizs . when we have guaranteed liberties and freedoms, when the president believes he can infringe upon those rights and opportunities, that's unconstitutional. >> tell me the executive order u again, i'm asking for the second time, that vie lates that privacy.

he doesn't in those 23. >> why are you writing him of acting like a king and a dictator. you said you defie that you're going to do it. but what i'm asking you, point-blank, to give me an example, you say he didn't do it. so what is the letter about? >> on the web sielte, he talks about what he plans for legislation. >> so you're not talking about executive action. you mean if he proposes gislation that is voted by the congress, you're going to defie -- >> in that case. >> the very laws that the congress may vote on? >> not at all. that's what i'm encouraging the president to do. >> you just said he's going to do it. legislation means it goes before the congress. that's what legislation is. >> here's the thing.

what we've seen, and i put this in the letter, as well, and you read, that our experience specifically here in arizona when it came to fast and furious. there's hi pock ra si here. it's not just the mass murders. >> you're trying to go fast and furious away from the issue. you just admitted that he is proposing legislation, which is the anti-thesis to him being a kings king or dictator. i can only assume that you did this to raise an issue to get some attention. you don't find anything about the executive order to -- >> if that's the route he takes, that would be great. >> i think -- i think -- i think i agree with that he's going to

legislate. and i think that is not what you can call a king or a dictator. i think that is what he's proposed to do. and you've admitted that. so i don't think all of this saying that i am going to defie you amounts to much if you can't tell me what is unconstitutional you're going to defie? >> well, this is the whole approach he's taken on countless issues. even with the immigration issue. the president, on one day, says he doesn't have the authority: and a year later, he did exactly what he said he didn't have the authority to do. >> and you're the sheriff? people actually depend on you to protect them. >> exactly. >> thank you, again, sheriff. >> we actually enforce the laws: >> and you should enforce the laws and not try to interpret the laws. that's what we have judges for. stay ahead -- >> that's what we do.

>> still ahead, mitt romney tells the gop, quote, i'm not going away. holy cow, is that a promise or a threat? [ male announcer ] citi turns 200 this year.

in that time there've been some good days. and some difficult ones. but, through it all, we've persevered, supporting some of the biggest ideas in modern history. so why should our anniversary matter to you? because for 200 years, we've been helping ideas move from ambition to achievement. and the next great idea could be yours. ♪ plays a key role throughout our lives. one a day women's 50+ is a complete multivitamin designed for women's health concerns as we age. it has 7 antioxidants to support cell health. one a day 50+.

yeah, so last week we had a surprise party for our dear friend, lizzy. surprise! surprise! surprise! surprise! we totally got her! [ male announcer ] when you combine creamy velveeta with zesty rotel tomatoes and green chiles, you'll get a bowl of queso that makes even this get-together better. guess who's back in the nation's capitol? mr. 47% himself. that's governor romney carrying his own bags through the airport after arriving in washington today. he couldn't show up for president obama's inauguration four days ago, but he has no problem making it in for a lunch in his honor. he and anne were the big guest of honor at a party just blocks from the white house thrown by hotel chairman and good friend bill marriott. and everyone in attendance left with a party favor.

some pearls of wisdom from the party itself. he began by telling everyone in the crowd, "we lost." huh? we lost? what is this we? i'm pretty sure he lost. but, anyway, romney went onto say i'm not going away. i will continue to help. wow. he's going to continue to help. it's christmas come early for the democrats. i wonder how the republicans reacted? huh? oh, i'm hearing we have a video of the reaction from the actual lunch. >> it's important. >> to be honest, i was the one doing the weeping. >> i've spent my whole life chasing the american dream. >> i'm sorry, governor, that was

the big take-away from the luncheon. then, if that's what it was, people left with heartburn, not doggie bags. is this the last thing the republican wants? >> oh, sure, it's pretty much the last thing. it's a ritual they have to go through. losing is a short, sharp good-bye, usually. he may say he's not going away. the truth is he's not going anywhere. unlike john kerry and john mccain, he doesn't have an important place in public life. he doesn't have a great cause that can come in, the center of the world stage or the national stage. i think he will remain a biword for how to run a bad campaign. and his most important legacy, ultimately, may be to convince the republicans and they want to convince themselves with this,

that this problem was not out of touch policies, but out of tune communication so they can again, indulge their own self delusions. >> now, cynthia, we are seeing here where the governor told politico or source told politico that romney has been out of the news and it was purposeful. he didn't want to say something on the fiscal cliff and have the president use it as a wedge between the speaker and the minority leader. he's been purposely taking a low profile. >> well, as bob says, he doesn't have a political platform from which to speak, anyway. and the last thing republicans want is him speaking out on the fiscal cliff or anything else. they want to act as if that

losing campaign ever happened. let's remember, mitt romney was never beloved by the republican masses, anyway. as one republican put it, there's not a mitt romney wing of the republican party. he was just the last guy standing. he had a whole bunch of money and he beat out the rest of these not-so-stellar contenders to win the gop nomination. but he never had a natural constituency within the party any wae. so they were -- so they are -- they are more than willing to see him leave the stage. and i can imagine how it must have terrified them when he said i'm not going away. >> well, maria, when you talk about -- when cynthia tucker is talking about they were more than happy to see him leave the stage, since he's lost the election, they've been throwing him under the bus. look at how the gop is talking about governor romney.

>> both parties tend to divide americans into our voters and their voters. let's be really clear. republicans must steer clear from that trap. >> you can't expect to be leader of all of the feel and be devicive. but he's a good man. and he will find his level. >> inevitably, there are these mandarins in politics who give the voice. don't show any contrast. so by the third debate, i'm pretty certain mitt romney actually french kissed baraco obama. >> wow, with friends like those, maria. >> it was interesting what paul ryder started doing. >> i won't be surprised if they

start taking on policy. i don't know if they want mitt romney out in front of him. what they do want is his access to the war chest. while they may not be courting him in public and basically touting him as the idea of brilliant ideas, they will be calling on him to make sure that he's calling those billionaires that basically did the citizens united so effectively that tarnished the name of the president. it's behind closed doors and the american people can't see what he may be up to. >> you know, bash, you've been in politics for a while and you've led some of the campaigns in our time. i think you need big people to big things. it was reported that not only

was he going to skip the inauguration -- and he was the first losing candidate to do that since '89. that's one thing. but an aide went onto say and he had no plans, but it was doubtful that he'd even watch it. >> that seems a little small to me. >> it is. when you lose one of these campaigns, it's tough. and you don't want to kick the guy when he's down. but the end of his campaign was an exercise in shipping jobs to china. he thought he was going to win because he had all of these skewed polls. so he went off to la hoya and sulked in his mansion. right now, his place in history is as one of the worst presidential candidates in a long time,number one. it's absolutely true, he was the

guy with a bag of money who survived the weakest field of candidates in history. and number two, he'll be remembered as the guy who created the model for obama care. cynthia, will we be talking about mitt romney a year from now? >> only as an example of how not to run a campaign. >> not only was he terrible on the campaign trail and terrible behind closed doors. when the public wanted to hear what he really had to say about half of america, he also was the candidate who -- many republicans hope was the last one who presided over a party that only appealed to older, rural whites.

many republicans realize that that is a loser for the future of the democratic party. and that is what mitt romney represents. so they do not want toty about mitt romney and his strategy. >> but maria, i agree with that assessment of the republicans in general. but how do you dumpb romney. and how are you so clear on romney's falls. even has the chair of clint eastwood in his office to put up as a plaque. >> i actually think that the democratic party should continue reminding everything of romney. all they have to say is 47% and attach it to every single candidate that's coming down the pipeline. you're mentioning the fact that, yes, they did re-elect the rnc

chairman and it rez nices that they're not interested in expanding the basin anyway. so the democrats, that's going to be that person is not on your side. they're not in your camp and they're basically the sunsetting party. the president is planning big policies. but the right wing hate machine is still working hard against them. that's next.

♪ [ male announcer ] this is karen and jeremiah. they don't know it yet, but they're gonna fall in love, get married, have a couple of kids, [ children laughing ] move to the country, and live a long, happy life together where they almost never fight about money. [ dog barks ] because right after they get married, they'll find some retirement people who are paid on salary, not commission. they'll get straightforward guidance and be able to focus on other things, like each other,

which isn't rocket science. it's just common sense. from td ameritrade. it's just common sense. i i had pain in my abdomen...g. it just wouldn't go away. i was spotting, but i had already gone through menopause. these symptoms may be nothing... but they could be early warning signs of a gynecologic cancer, such as cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer. feeling bloated for no reason. that's what i remember. seeing my doctor probably saved my life. warning signs are not the same for everyone. if you think something's wrong... see your doctor. ask about gynecologic cancer. and get the inside knowledge. second term derangement. this week, a new round of hateful rhetoric. next. to compete on the global stage. what we need are people prepared for the careers of our new economy. by 2025 we could have 20 million jobs without enough college graduates to fill them. that's why at devry university,

we're teaming up with companies like cisco to help make sure everyone is ready with the know-how we need for a new tomorrow. [ male announcer ] make sure america's ready. make sure you're ready. at devry.edu/knowhow. ♪ [ male announcer ] how do you turn an entrepreneur's dream... ♪ into a scooter that talks to the cloud? ♪ or turn 30-million artifacts... ♪ into a high-tech masterpiece? ♪ whatever your business challenge, dell has the technology and services to help you solve it.

president obama is charging ahead with his second term agenda and the team that will help him get it done.

today, the president named his deputy national security advisor to be his new chief of staff. the president is focused. he's moving forward. but, on the other side, they're just stuck in the past. the inauguration has sparked a new round of extremists and deranged anti-obama rhetoric. >> if obama decides to abdegait, you know, obama may not give up the crown. just like queen elizabeth. >> i'm afraid president obama may have this king complex sort of developing. >> he is an evil, dangerous man who hates america and hates freedom. >> you either want freedom or you don't. >> and he hires, appoints and associates with communists. >> he wants to transform america into his socialist utopia. >> socialist overreach is coming, folks. by february, we'll all be chained up in solar asparagus

logs to infamous sea turtles. >> folks, the sad part is only one of those clips was a joke. the right wing's derangements over the president of the united states would be funny if it wasn't so outrageous. we'll be right back with a day for the history books. all the great moments from the inauguration. i'll never forget it. stay with us. [ coughs ]

shh! [ coughs ] shh! [ breathes deeply, wind blows ] this feels cool. [ male announcer ] halls. let the cool in. executor of efficiency. you can spot an amateur from a mile away... while going shoeless and metal-free in seconds. and you...rent from national.

because only national lets you choose any car in the aisle...and go. you can even take a full-size or above, and still pay the mid-size price. now this...will work. [ male announcer ] just like you, business pro. just like you. go national. go like a pro.

this week, we witnessed history. our first african american president sworn into office for a second term.

it was a day to remember. >> i, barack obama do solemnly swear or affirm that i will faithly execute the office of president of the united states. >> welcome to washington. it is chilly, but frankly, bearable outside as the country prepares to celebrate the peaceful maintenance of power to transfer some power from the first term administration of president barack obama to the second term. let's listen. >> this is a moment when millions stop and watch. a moment most of us always will remember.

it is a moment that is our most conspicuous and enduring symbol of the american democracy. >> preserve, protect and defend. >> preserve, protect and defebd the constitution of the yietsd. >> so help you god? >> so help me god. >> congratulations, mr. president. >> 150 years after the emancipation proclamation and 50 years after the march on washington, we celebrate the spirit of our ancestors. >> my fellow americans, we are made for this moment and we will seize it so long as we seize it together. ♪ and the rocket's red glare". >> for me, withe . >> we, the people, still believe

that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity. we, the people, declare today the most evidence of truths. that all of us are created e qualm. is the star that guides us still just as it guided our fore berers through seneca falls and zerks, selma and stonewall. >> there's the secretary of treasury, tim geithner in some shades. ♪ >> to my vice president who has not only been an extraordinary partner, bud an extraordinary friend.

>> i'll be >> a man who never, never, never operates out of fear. only operates out of comforts. >> mr. vice president? mr. vice president? hey, how are you doing? come on. they won't let you? that's it. yeah. all right. yes. yes. >> i'm done. >> we gather in the old hall to better hear one oolt and to reknew the appeal. >> the effort was truly bipartisan. so if you don't like the food, youd can't blame it on with your party or the other. >> why are you here today? >> plchblt president?

how is it going? is the wealther good? >> we're really here for the social experience: >> i love michelle obama. and to address the most difficult weekend, i love her bangs. >> ladies and gentlemen, my better halve and my dance partner, michelle obama chblt

♪ it was a great day, a day when we were all reminded just how much the country was

changed. i was personally moved at that poemt and the president falls before the bust. and remember this. it was only 30 years ago senator jesse helms led the fight from being a dabd cat. blank black. >> and when i asked president reagan refused to criticize. we'll know in about 35 years, woent we. i don't fault his sincerity with regards to wanting the records opened up. >> i was a young activist marching then behind mrs. king and others to get that national holiday. i was a season